While it is safe to travel to Turkey, women planning on visiting the country alone, or with another female traveler, should take certain precautions to ensure their safety.
By: Jenny Karakaya
There is no doubt that Turkey is one of the most alluring and exotic destinations on earth. Regardless of its continual political issues, it remains a hotspot for history geeks, culture cravers, foodies, architects and beach enthusiasts. From its bi-continent straddling Istanbul, to the mystical fairy chimney adorned Cappadocia, to the endless Grecian, Roman and Armenian ruins sprinkled throughout the country, to its dreamy southern beaches in Izmir and Antalya; one can go on months exploring this fascinating country. However, it is equally important to have your wits about you when traveling in Turkey, as it is in most countries.
Since Istanbul is my birth city, it is also a place I visit often, if not yearly. Having first-hand experience, it is wise to keep the following tips in mind, before traveling to and throughout Turkey.
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1. Don’t travel alone – buddy up with a fellow traveler or join a tour group, especially when you are exploring regions other than Istanbul. Even if you book a luxury resort in the south, do not leave your resort unless you are with someone else. There are human leeches everywhere and they love foreigners (yabanci as they say).
2. Get a sim card for your mobile phone to monitor where you are going when walking and in Taxis. It’s easy to get lost and cabbies are notorious for taking tourists on joyrides! It’s happened to me several times, even though I speak the language!
3. Be wary on public transport and keep your distance when standing in them. There are ample pick-pocketers and perverted men trying to rub up against girls/women. This is no joke.
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4. Be wary when walking in crowds or crowded streets – always guard your body. There are some men that try to side swipe your breast with their elbow while passing you, to cop a feel. This is a horrific thing and it has happened to me, so I’ve resorted to walking with my arms folded across my chest in public crowds.
5. Remember that you are in a religious country. No matter how far along Istanbul has come as a European city, the majority of the population are strict Muslims and dress accordingly. Keeping that in mind, dress appropriately in public to avoid stares, shaking of heads and even loud cursing. Yep, that does happen.
6. Watch your belongings always and look out for pickpockets and gypsies asking for money in ALL public places.
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7. Never accept an invite from strangers in Turkey – even handsome charmers. The men in Istanbul especially, are notorious for stalking tourist girls and we know how some of those situations ends. Most men there think that girls traveling alone or even two girls together are easy targets. They also believe that Westerners/tourists from modern countries are easier to pick up and probably more gullible. I have friends who have fallen for the charming, sweet talk. They know they won’t get away with that with the local girls. To put things into perspective, I was stalked once even with my parents by my side – yep, they don’t care and can be annoyingly relentless. There may be some cat-calling involved as well, but the best way to avoid this is by not making direct eye contact. They will make you feel incredibly uneasy by staring, so try your best, to avoid the stare. Locking eyes means a green light, which usually leads to stalking and waiting for the right time to approach. It may sound predator-like and creepy, and it is! If ignoring them and losing them doesn’t work, then ask someone for help – perhaps a shopkeeper, someone respectable looking on the street or call the police.
8. Don’t ever buy or accept drugs from anyone – and that goes for ANY country! Turkey has a major drug trade problem that poses a threat to public safety and national security. Drug trafficking is a serious issue for the country and anyone caught buying or selling will be sentenced to a hefty jail sentence.
**The Voluntourist doesn’t condone the use of illegal drugs.
9. Bargain and price compare when shopping in outdoor markets. It’s common knowledge that tourists get ripped off ALL the time even when they swear they are giving you the best deal. Walk away and see how quick they respond to your offer. Do keep in mind though, that tourism is a big source of income there, so also be fair when bargaining.
Keeping all this in mind, go on and enjoy the infinite museums and historical landmarks, devour all the delicious food and desserts they have to offer, indulge in a proper and well researched Turkish bath house, splash around in the sparkling turquoise seas, and take a hot air balloon ride to marvel over the ruins and magical landscapes. Just keep your radar on and research everything well. Safe travels – iyi yolculouklar!